Over recent weeks, toward the end of Term 2 as well as these first weeks of Term 3, several groups of year 9 students have led by example and have truly lived out our College motto of Strength and Kindliness. They have been magnificent role models.

Ration Challenge

At the end of Term 2, the Ration Challenge was presented to all Year 9 students during the BRIDGES program, highlighting the plight of refugees and what little food many of them survive on. A number of students took up this challenge and ate the same food, in almost the same quantities, as a refugee person living in a camp. Many other people supported the students and their cause by making a financial donation to an individual or to the group. This action was greatly appreciated by our students and the money raised will be given to people we shall never meet but who will be grateful to each of you.

Vinnies Winter Sleepout

Recently, a group of Year 9 students participated in the Vinnie’s School Sleepout. Their enthusiasm for this cause was infectious as seen by the smiles on their faces on the photos taken during the evening. This group, along with Year 12 students and members of staff, raised a significant amount of money for St Vincent de Paul. Sometimes people are unable to participate in the actual event but can support in other ways. All acts of kindness are greatly appreciated by those less fortunate than ourselves.

Students’ Reflection – Vinnies Winter Sleepout

Recently, some Year 9 students participated in the Vinnies School Sleepout as a part of our BRIDGES to City program. We were able to learn more about homelessness and gain more empathy for people affected after watching a documentary. For dinner we had a basic meal of soup and a bread roll. We brought a pillow and a sleeping bag but other than that we slept on the ground in the Kildare Centre (others slept outside in the Colonnade) . This experience has opened our eyes to how homeless people live and how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads.

Eve Elliot, Maya Hempel
and Olivia Roberts
Year 9

Legally Blonde

For most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, I have had the pleasure of listening to the singing of our students from the Auditorium as they have rehearsed for Legally Blonde the Musical. On rare occasions I have popped in to see the magic unfold and every time I have been mesmerised by the talent in front of me. Last week was significant for many of our Year 9 students as all of their hard work came to fruition with their performances of this musical. Their passion, talent and hard work has been evident throughout the year; the joy, the smiles and the laughs have always told the story every Tuesday and Thursday, not to mention the Sundays. In the words of two of the cast members:

Student Reflection – Legally Blonde

The theatre component of our College has always been full of life and excitement. This year, the production is Legally Blonde the Musical, which will be performed in the upcoming weeks. As we are both a part of this experience, we have seen first hand how inclusive, encouraging and supportive this company is. No matter if you have had professional training or you have never performed on stage before, you will always feel like you belong. Kilbreda has always offered such incredible roles whether it be on or off stage that are inclusive to everyone and their unique skills.

From the auditions that started last year, it feels exhilarating to be a part of the finished product. It has always been a joy to arrive at rehearsals, whether it was after school or on weekends and feel the continuous passion shared between the cast, crew and staff. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have the opportunity to do what we love most, as well as making strong connections across all year levels. With the last few rehearsals upon us, we can confidently say that this show will be one of our best!    

Indiana Foggie and Elizabeth Jones
Year 9

BRIDGES to City

Tuesday 1 August was the first of the BRIDGES to City days. We were blessed with fine weather as the students made their way around the city collecting data and taking photos, listening to presentations from The Intersection Empathy and Big Issue organisations. The students were a credit to themselves throughout the day and it was wonderful to watch, from afar, how they worked collaboratively within their groups.

To all the Year 9 students who have participated in each of the events listed above and for those who participate in events that I am unaware of, leading by example, giving to those in need, looking out for each other – thank you.

Jane Cowan
Level Leader: Year 9